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Grape Production in Arkansas

Recent efforts in grape production in Arkansas has been on improving table grapes
adapted to the state and region.

In the video below, Dr. John Clark, Distinguished Professor of Horticulture, discusses
the Compassion Grape, a flavorful white/green grape with non slipskin texture developed
by the University of Arkansas team.

What kinds of grape cultivars are developed by Extension?

Among the University of Arkansas cultivars are both non-slipskin and slipskin choices.
The Arkansas-developed cultivars, hybrids of these two species, are not resistant
or immune to several devastating fungal diseases black rot, downy and powdery mildews
and anthracnose. Because these cultivars were developed in a cultural system using
a commercial grape fungicide program, growers of Arkansas table grapes should be familiar
with the use of appropriate fungicides to control the above-listed diseases. Without
controlling these diseases, Arkansas-developed cultivars will not produce reliable
yields.

What diseases affect grape production?

Although developed in the South, the University of Arkansas cultivars are not resistant
to the most devastating grape disease in the deep South - Pierce's disease. These
cultivars are not recommended where Pierce's disease is a threat.

Trellis and training systems

Grape production requires selection of the appropriate trellis and training system
and the knowledge to develop the vines on the trellis. Training is needed mainly in
the first and second years of growth. A few clusters per vine can be borne on second-year
vines if first-year growth is adequate, but the third year is more commonly the time
of substantial cropping.